Professor Jaideep Prabhu, a professor of business and enterprise at Cambridge University’s Judge Business School, discusses the progress of the net zero movement despite the challenges posed by Donald Trump’s presidency. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the tariffs imposed by the US, Prabhu believes that the strong pro-environment trends worldwide will continue, driven by technology and economics.
The clean energy revolution, which has seen a dramatic fall in the prices of solar and wind power, battery storage technologies, and electric vehicles, will continue to grow. The shift towards renewable energy is not driven by geopolitics or ideology, but by the economics of these technologies.
Prabhu notes that even in the US, where renewables have been a major part of the energy mix, including in red states, there has been a massive transition to renewables, with states like Texas and the UK leading the way. China, India, and Germany are also making significant progress in the energy transition.
He also highlights the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the energy transition, as it is a very energy-hungry sector, and many big players are looking to clean energy, including nuclear power. The development of small modular reactors is also making significant progress, carrying considerable risks, but also offering long-term commitments.
Prabhu also addresses the concern about energy security, noting that the shift to renewables is driven by the need for energy security, particularly for China, India, and other developing countries. He also notes that even Trump’s administration had recognized the need for energy independence, as seen in the Inflation Reduction Act.
Overall, Prabhu believes that the global trend towards the energy transition is likely to continue, driven by technological progress, affordability, and concerns about climate justice and energy security. The views expressed are personal and not necessarily reflective of the university or its affiliates.